The Eastern Shore of Virginia Rail Trail Foundation has announced a major funding milestone for the Eastern Shore Rail Trail, following a substantial federal grant award to a key project partner.
According to the foundation, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission has received a $23,251,485 grant from the United States Department of Transportation to design and construct approximately 17 miles of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail. Of that total, $4,793,843 has been obligated as the initial phase of funding.
Ron Wolff, Executive Director of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Rail Trail Foundation, said the award represents a historic moment in the effort to transform the region’s former rail corridor into a modern transportation and recreation asset. Wolff noted that the project has now raised approximately $58 million in total funding, with the trail fully funded from Cape Charles to Onley. Funding has not yet been secured for the northern segment of the trail from Onley to Hallwood…